BRITAINBy r a i l

E x plo r e

Snowdon Mountain Railway, Snowdonia, North Wales

Why travel by rail? 6

How to book your BritRail Pass 8

Highlights of England 10

Highlights of Scotland 16

Highlights of Wales 20

One-day trips by rail – London 24 – Edinburgh 25 – Manchester 26 – Birmingham 27

Film & TV locations from Oxford by rail 28

Bucket-list rail journeys 29

Luxury rail journeys 30

C o n t e n t s

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland

WELCOMEH e llo

Editor’s SummaryThere is something undeniably romantic

about travelling by rail around Britain.

Perhaps it is the grand architecture of our

historic railway stations, the beautiful scenes

of rolling countryside or the quaint villages

passing by the window.

Whatever the reason, journeying by train adds

a real sense of adventure to any trip and is the

most picturesque and relaxing way to discover

the real Britain (see Highlights of England on

page 10).

A fast rail network and frequent services

allow you to book a short trip from London,

and be in Scotland within 4hrs 30mins, so

you can take in the varied history and culture

across Britain (see one-day trips on page 24).

Save money by purchasing a BritRail Pass

offering unlimited journeys for a more affordable

way of travelling by train in Britain (see page 8).

Rail Project Manager, VisitBritain

SCOTLAND

WALES

LONDON

ENGLAND

ROMAN BATHS Bath

ALNWICK CASTLE Alnwick

ROYAL SHAKESPEARE CO Stratford-upon-Avon

CARDIFF CASTLECardiff

CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL Canterbury

MANCHESTER UNITED STADIUM Manchester

VISITING TOP ATTRACTIONS OUTSIDE LONDON BY RAIL HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER. OVER HALF OF THE ATTRACTIONS CAN BE REACHED WITHIN TWO HOURS

OUTSIDE LONDONAccessible by rail in a day

Attractions

10TOP

EDEN PROJECT Cornwall

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7654

8 9 10

BRIGHTON PIER Brighton

EDINBURGH CASTLE Edinburgh

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TRAVEL TIMES London Victoria > Brighton 55mins

London St Pancras > Canterbury 1hr

London Paddington > Bath 1hr 25mins

London Waterloo > Salisbury 1hr 30mins

London Marylebone > Stratford-upon-Avon 2hrs

London Paddington > Cardiff 2hrs

London Euston > Manchester 2hrs 10mins

London King’s Cross > Alnmouth 3hrs 30mins

London King’s Cross > Edinburgh 4hrs 30mins

London Paddington > Cornwall 4hrs 30mins

STONEHENGE Salisbury

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BY RAILTo t r av e l

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DESTINATIONS CLOSER THAN YOU THINKBirmingham > Stratford-upon-Avon 45mins

Edinburgh > Glasgow 55mins

Birmingham > London 1hr 25mins

Manchester > Windermere 1hr 40mins

London > Cardiff 2hrs 5mins

London > Manchester 2hrs 10mins

Edinburgh > Windermere 2hrs 30mins

Manchester > Edinburgh 3hrs 25mins

London > Edinburgh 4hrs 30mins

Stratford-Upon-Avon

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CONNECTIVITY Britain has over 2,500 train stations, so you can reach all parts of Britain easily by rail. This will give you more time to enjoy your chosen destinations.

GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY The BritRail Pass offers incredible savings on rail travel in Britain.

See BritRail on pages 8–9

BEAUTIFUL SCENIC JOURNEYS Enjoyable and relaxing way to travel. Experience the villages, towns and countrysides from the comfort of your seat.

5

ONBOARD EXPERIENCE Wi-Fi, power sockets, toilets, refreshments (food and drinks), First Class options, quiet coaches, luggage conveyance and assistance for disabled/passengers with reduced mobility.

Great Western Railway

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C H O O S E YO U R

RAIL LINEBritRail Pass

BritRail England Pass

BritRail London Plus Pass

Loch Awe, Scotland

Don’t forget to

britrail.com

FIRST CLASS

BritRail England

Consecutive Pass

VALID UNTIL

31-Mar-17

VALID FROM

10-Mar-17VALIDITY

22 DAYS

ADULT

Mr M Schneider RESIDENCY

Germany

It’s now live! An M-Pass version of the

BritRail England Pass.

This enables you to use the

pass via your mobile phone,

for easy access to all

stations in England.

See here for more information:

www.britrail.com/britrail-

passes/introducing-m-pass

A BRITRAIL PASS GIVES YOU THE ABILITY TO TRAVEL ACROSS THE ENTIRE NATIONAL RAIL NETWORK OF GREAT BRITAIN AND OFFERS FANTASTIC VALUE FOR MONEY The BritRail Pass allows you to travel on all mainline trains to visit ancient

castles in rugged countrysides, villages by the sea, or cosmopolitan cities.

HOW DOES IT WORK?Please visit www.visitbritainshop.com/world and click on your country flag

in the top right-hand corner. Follow these simple steps, or visit your local

tour operator for more information.

How to travel around Britain by rail

SAVE with the

BritRail Pass

2 For 1 on Attractions

Many attractions in Britain offer 2 for 1 entry offers with a valid BritRail Pass.

WHAT PASSES ARE ON OFFER? BritRail Pass – unlimited rail travel throughout England, Scotland and Wales

BritRail England Pass – travel within England

BritRail London Plus Pass – great-value pass for day trips out of London

Passes £13

PER DAY

from just

Map of Britain

FOR ALL TRAIN TIMETABLE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO WWW.NATIONALRAIL.CO.UK

STANDARD CLASSStandard Class carriages in Britain offers you a good quality comfortable

seat and the chance to reserve your seat, especially for the longer

journeys.

FIRST CLASSFirst Class carriages are often quieter, offer wider seats and more legroom

than Standard Class. First Class often has a buffet car or trolley with

refreshments on longer journeys. In some cases First Class services

include snacks and drinks at your seat with free Wi-Fi.

First Class carriages are nearly all equipped with power sockets, and often

offer complimentary newspapers and ticket upgrades.

For more information on First Class travel, visit www.nationalrail.co.uk

STEP 1 Choose date of arrival

STEP 2 Choose Consecutive days or Flexi days

STEP 3 Choose duration of 3, 4, 8, 15, 22 days or 1 month

STEP 4 Choose class – Standard or First Class

STEP 5 Choose age – Adult, Child (5–15), Youth (16–25), Senior (60+),

Free child (one free child per paying adult)

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Borrowdale, Lake District Wastwater, Lake District Hadrian’s Wall, Carlisle

MANCHESTER

WINDERMERE

CARLISLENEWCASTLE

YORK

NORTH SEA

NORTHERN ENGLAND

50km

HADRIAN’S WALL AND MOST OF ITS DEFENCES WERE BUILT BETWEEN ABOUT 122 AND 128 AD.

NORTHERN ENGLAND HAS FIVE DESIGNATED NATIONAL PARKS: LAKE DISTRICT, PEAK DISTRICT, YORKSHIRE DALES, NORTHUMBERLAND AND NORTH YORK MOORS.

did you know?

THE NORTH OF ENGLAND HAS BEEN CHARMING VISITORS WITH ITS RICH HERITAGE, CAPTIVATING COUNTRYSIDE AND FAMOUSLY FRIENDLY LOCALS FOR CENTURIES your rail journey

starts hereDAY 1–3 | LAKE DISTRICT

Highlights include: Wastwater, Derwentwater, Windermere Lake Cruises,

near Keswick, Beatrix Potter’s house

DAY 4 | CARLISLEHighlights include:

Hadrian’s Wall, Carlisle Castle

DAY 6–7 | YORKHighlights include:

York Minster, York Dungeon, The Shambles, Castle Howard

DAY 5 | NEWCASTLEHighlights include:

BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, sampling the famous nightlife,

Newcastle Castle

6–7 DAY ITINERARY

Enjoy an enticing mix on this seven day itinerary, hopping off the

train along the way to enjoy the majestic mountains of the Lake

District, explore Roman ruins and ancient castles and soak up

the culture in two very distinctive cities.

DAY 1–3 | LAKE DISTRICTYour journey starts in Manchester. Begin by rolling through

the Cumbrian countryside that inspired Beatrix Potter and

William Wordsworth before arriving in Windermere, a market

town set on the shores of England’s longest lake and the

perfect base for exploring shimmering lakes and rugged hills.

Home to England’s tallest mountain, Scafell Pike, be sure to

pack your walking boots.

DAY 4 | CARLISLE AND HADRIAN’S WALLNearby and perched on the border of England and Scotland,

the city of Carlisle is one of the gateways to the UNESCO

World Heritage site Hadrian’s Wall. Stretching 73 miles, it is

an unmissable relic from when Romans ruled the land and a

walker’s paradise.

DAY 5 | NEWCASTLEHead to the cosmopolitan city of Newcastle for a taste

of the famous Geordie spirit (and Newcastle Brown Ale),

immortalised by the gigantic Angel of the North sculpture.

Sample the city’s night-life, restaurants and shopping, and

learn about its heritage via local museums and elegant

Victorian buildings.

DAY 6–7 | YORKThe last stop is charming York, an hour south of Newcastle by

train. A place of extraordinary cultural and historical wealth,

this beautifully preserved medieval city is home to delights

such as the timber-framed houses of The Shambles and the

imposing architecture of York Minster and Castle Howard.

Northern England & Countryside

RAIL TRAVEL TIMES Manchester > Windermere, Lake District 1hr 45mins

Windermere, Lake District > Carlisle 1hr 5mins

Carlisle > Newcastle 1hr 30mins

Newcastle > York 1hr

York > Manchester 1hr 25mins

IF YOU START IN LONDON London Euston > Windermere, Lake District 3hrs 30mins Wastwater, Lake DistrictScafell Pike, Cumbria

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Alnwick Castle, Alnwick Eden Project, St Austell, Cornwall

England attractions

HOW TO GET THERE

The London King’s Cross

– Edinburgh train stops at

Alnmouth train station

(four miles from Alnwick Castle).

This train journey takes

approximately 3hrs 30mins.

A taxi or bus (X18) can

be taken from Alnmouth

train station (a journey

of approximately 10mins).

Visit www.alnwickcastle.com

for more info.

Combining magnificent medieval architecture with its spectacular

Italianate State Rooms, the castle is home to one of the finest

private art collections in the country. Including extensive works by

Titian, Van Dyck, Turner, and Dobson. There is also an impressive

display of Chelsea and Paris porcelain in the China Gallery.

Film and TV buffs will enjoy the ‘Alnwick on Location’ tour, which

takes in the castle’s cinematic history with appearances in Downton

Abbey and Harry Potter. Alnwick Castle featured as Hogwarts School

of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first two Harry Potter films.

Open throughout April – October.

SET IN THE RUGGED COUNTRYSIDE OF NORTHUMBERLAND IN THE NORTH EAST OF ENGLAND, ALNWICK CASTLE IS THE SECOND LARGEST INHABITED CASTLE IN ENGLAND AND HAS BEEN HOME TO THE DUKE OF NORTHUMBERLAND’S FAMILY FOR OVER 700 YEARS

HOW TO GET THERE

It’s easy to get here by train

from London Paddington.

The nearest train station

is St Austell and takes

approximately 4hrs 20mins.

From here take the regular

number 101 bus that runs

direct taking around 20mins.

Find everything you need

to plan your trip, including

detailed opening times,

at www.edenproject.com

Nestled in a huge crater, massive covered Biomes housing the

largest rainforest in captivity and the sights, scents and tastes of

the Mediterranean serve as a backdrop to the striking contemporary

Outdoor Gardens.

Eden is home to stunning plants and crop displays, art installations,

exhibitions and stories, summer concerts and exciting year-round

family events. There’s even an on-site YHA providing overnight

accommodation options.

Come face-to-face with the unexpected at the Eden Project.

Open throughout the whole year.

SURROUNDED BY BEAUTIFUL BEACHES AND PICTURESQUE COASTLINE IN THE SOUTH WEST OF ENGLAND, CORNWALL’S WORLD-FAMOUS EDEN PROJECT IS AN INTERNATIONAL VISITOR DESTINATION AND LEARNING CENTRE FOR ALL: A SPECTACULAR VENUE FOR A GREAT DAY OUT

THE CASTLE HAS BROOMSTICK TRAINING IN THE COURTYARD, SO YOUR CHILDREN (AND YOU) CAN LEARN HOW TO FLY IN THE SAME LOCATION WHERE MADAM HOOCH TAUGHT HARRY POTTER.

did you know?did you know?

22 LITRES OF WATER ARE COLLECTED FROM THE DOMES EVERY SECOND WHICH IS ABOUT 20,000 BATHS EVERY DAY.

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RAIL TRAVEL TIMES London Paddington > Bath 1hr 25mins

Bath > Bristol 15mins

Bristol > St Austell 3hrs

St Austell > St Ives 1hr 10mins

St Ives > London 5hrs 50mins

The Best of the South West

DAY 1–2 | BATHHighlights include:

Roman Baths, Thermae Spa, Royal Crescent

DAY 3 | BRISTOLHighlights include: SS Great Britain, street art tours

DAY 6–8 | ST IVESHighlights include:

St Ives beaches, Tate Gallery, surfing and stand up paddleboard

lessons, St Michael’s Mount, Minack Theatre

DAY 4–5 | ST AUSTELLHighlights include:

Eden Project, Lost Gardens of Heligan,

St Austell Brewery

6–8 DAY ITINERARY

your rail journey starts here

Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol Lost Gardens of Heligan, St Austell, Cornwall St Erth – St Ives Branch Line, Cornwall

BATHS STREETS WERE GIVEN A STARRING ROLE IN HOLLYWOOD MOVIES SUCH AS THE DUCHESS, LES MISERABLES AND JANE AUSTEN’S PERSUASION.

CORNWALL HAS OVER 300 BEACHES AND HAS THE LONGEST COASTLINE IN BRITAIN AT 697KM.

did you know?

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PRISTINE BEACHES, PRETTY FISHING VILLAGES AND MORE HOURS OF SUNSHINE THAN ANYWHERE ELSE ON THE BRITISH MAINLAND

St Ives, CornwallSt Michael’s Mount

BRISTOLBRISTOL

CHANNEL

ST IVES ENGLISHCHANNEL

BATH

IRISHSEA

ST AUSTELL

SOUTH WEST ENGLAND

100km

It’s easy to see why the sunny South West is one of

England’s most popular holiday destinations. An eight-day

tour of the region’s highlights, from the beautiful UNESCO

World Heritage city of Bath to the unmissable Eden

Project in Cornwall, via the arty city of Bristol, can only be

completed with a traditional fish supper on a St Ives beach.

It is easily accessible by train and public transport.

DAY 1–2 | BATH With its sweep of Georgian buildings and historic Roman

Baths, Bath is an ideal first stop for a few days relaxation

and pottering around the beautiful city’s independent shops.

Wallow as the Romans did in the hot, mineral-rich spring

waters of the modern Thermae Bath Spa complex and visit

the majestic Royal Crescent.

DAY 3 | BRISTOL Next stop is the laid-back city of Bristol for a glimpse of its

graceful architecture and offbeat culture. Famous as the

birthplace of Banksy, take a tour of the city’s street art, relax

in the renovated Victorian spa and indulge in gastronomy of

every flavour in trendy revamped warehouses.

DAY 4–5 | ST AUSTELL Stop off in the market town of St Austell for a night or

two to visit the nearby Eden Project, Lost Gardens of Heligan

and St Austell Brewery. Learn all about the China clay industry

at Wheal Martyn Museum or take a walk along golden beaches

where water-sports enthusiasts can get soaked.

DAY 6–8 | ST IVES Finish your journey with fish and chips and Cornish

ice cream in the beautiful seaside town of St Ives. Home to

a thriving artistic community, visit Tate St Ives and take in

white-washed cottages, sandy beaches and a harbour that

inspired artists J M W Turner and Henry Moore. 15

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Sprinter train passes Beinn Dorain Perth, Scotland Salisbury Crags, Edinburgh

IMAGINE OUR WORLD POPULATION.

MULTIPLY IT BY 10.

THAT IS THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT CAN BE SUBMERGED BY THE WATER CONTAINED IN LOCH NESS.

Did you know?

Loch Ness, Scotland

Scotland & Highlands adventure

RAIL TRAVEL TIMES London King’s Cross > Edinburgh 4hrs 20mins

Edinburgh > Perth 1hr 20mins

Perth > Inverness 2hrs 15mins

Inverness > Edinburgh 3hrs 30mins

A CITY-HOPPING JOURNEY FROM THE LUSH HILLS OF THE LOWLANDS, THROUGH TO THE SNOW-CAPPED MOUNTAIN RANGES OF THE HIGHLANDS

Expect vistas of dramatic scenery through your

train window on this six-day itinerary. Starting in

the capital of Edinburgh to soak up some culture,

hop off the train at any of Scotland’s six other

cities, each with their own distinct personality and

history, to discover more of Scotland.

Whichever route you choose, you’ll discover a land

of fascinating history, natural beauty, wildlife and

heritage, all aching to be explored.

DAY 1–2 | EDINBURGH Begin your journey in Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh

– a city bound to leave a lasting impression with

its fairytale architecture, sophisticated cultural

life and enviable eateries. After a day or two of

museum-hopping and people-watching, from here

it’s a quick 1hr 15min train journey to Perth.

DAY 3 | PERTH Once the capital of Scotland, today Perth is

known for its fantastic food scene, offering

everything from pop-up experiences to fine

dining feasts. Positioned in the heart of the

country and sitting on the banks of the River Tay,

it’s also an ideal place from which to experience

the surrounding countryside.

DAY 4-5 | INVERNESS Get an early start for a 2hr 15min journey to

Inverness. From pink Inverness Castle to the

legendary waters of Loch Ness (see page 19

for travel info), this small city is a great base

for adventure lovers, with plenty of opportunities

for hiking, climbing and water sports in the

mountains and lochs around.

DAY 1–2 | EDINBURGHHighlights include: Edinburgh Castle,

Harry Potter Walking Tour, Royal Yacht Britannia

DAY 3 | PERTHHighlights include:

Scone Palace, Perth Museum and Art Gallery

DAY 4–5 | INVERNESSHighlights include: Loch Ness cruise,

Whisky distillery tour, Urquhart Castle

4-5 DAY ITINERARY

your rail journey starts here

Inverness Castle, Inverness

INVERNESS

NORTH SEA

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PERTH

LOCH NESS

50km

SCOTLAND

Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness

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Loch Ness, Scotland Isle of Bute, Scotland

Scotland attractions

MOUNT STUART, ISLE OF BUTESet amidst 300 acres of gloriously landscaped gardens

on the Isle of Bute, the house itself is arguably the

finest piece of domestic architecture to emerge

from Britain’s Gothic Revival in the 19th century. The

mansion boasts a majestic marble hall, white marble

chapel, rich reception rooms and grounds to explore.

SCOTLAND IS HOME TO A HUGE DIVERSITY OF ATTRACTIONS – ANCIENT, TOWERING CASTLES, MYSTERIOUS LOCHS, HISTORIC HOUSES, INSPIRATIONAL GARDENS AND THE DISTILLERIES WHERE THE ELIXIR OF SCOTLAND – MALT WHISKY – IS PRODUCED. DISCOVER IT ALL ON THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME

STIRLING CASTLE Sitting proudly atop a volcanic rock and historically

known as the broach that held Scotland together is

Stirling Castle, where you can come face-to-face with

characters from the past. Revel in its Renaissance

magnificence and views of the surrounding Scottish

countryside from the castle’s ramparts.

DALWHINNIE Through steep ravines, gushing burns and tree-clad

hilltops up to the mountains, past vast lochs and

red deer, the first sign of life in this old landscape is

Dalwhinnie Distillery: the highest and coldest Scotch

whisky distillery in the world, where some of the finest

spirits on the planet are made.

you don’t spot it you can still have an incredible time

on a boat trip across this huge loch, taking in the

local wildlife — from osprey to golden eagles and red

deer — and the spectacular Highland scenery. This is

also an ideal location for walkers and mountain bikers.

Make sure you pay a visit to the atmospheric ruins of

13th century Urquhart Castle while you’re here, once

a focal point for fierce inter-clan battles. Climb up The

Grant Tower for beautiful views over the loch and see

if you can spot anything unusual in the waters.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Edinburgh it’s a 2hr 20min train to Wemyss Bay,

where you can get the ferry, or from Glasgow it’s a

50min train to Wemyss Bay. The ferry crossing over to

Rothesay, Isle of Bute, takes 35mins and with sailings

approximately every 45mins at peak times. No

booking is required. Open throughout April – October.

Visit www.mountstuart.com/visiting for more info.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Edinburgh it’s a 50min direct train journey

to Stirling and a 10–15min stroll to the castle.

Open throughout the whole year.

Visit www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk for more info.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Edinburgh it’s a 2hr 20min direct train

journey to Dalwhinnie. Open throughout

the whole year.

Visit www.discovering-distilleries.com/dalwhinnie

for more info.

LOCH NESSCatch the train from Edinburgh, London or Manchester

to one of Scotland’s most famous locations: the

mysterious Loch Ness. At its deepest point it’s 232m

deep – so you could stack two Big Bens on top of

each other and they wouldn’t touch the surface. It’s

rumoured to be home to the elusive Loch Ness Monster,

and in the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition you can see

the many misty photographs and accounts of possible

monster sightings recorded over the years. But even if

HOW TO GET THERE

From Edinburgh it’s a 3hr 30min train journey

direct to Inverness, which is the nearest station

to Loch Ness (approx. 13 miles north). Buses leave

from Inverness three times daily Monday through

Friday, and twice per day on Saturdays. These buses

will take you to Foyers, a town on the east side

of the loch, where you’ll find trails to explore and

accommodations if you’d like to stay the night.

Open throughout the whole year.

Visit www.visitinvernesslochness.com

for more info.

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North Wales Conwy Castle, North Wales Zipworld, North Wales Lledr valley, near Betws-y-Coed

RAIL TRAVEL TIMES London, Euston > Llandudno Junction 3hrs

Llandudno Junction > Betws-y-Coed 30mins

Betws-y-Coed > Llandudno Junction 30mins

Llandudno Junction > London 3hrs

DAY 1 | LLANDUDNO Highlights include:

Great Orme, beaches

DAY 2 | CONWYHighlights include:

Conwy Castle, Bodnant Gardens, Welsh Food Centre

DAY 3-5 | BETWS-Y-COED SNOWDONIA

Highlights include: Snowdon Mountain Railway,

Zipworld Bounce Below, Surf Snowdonia

4-5 DAY ITINERARY

NORTH WALES IS A PLAYGROUND FOR THRILL SEEKERS, A HIDEOUT FOR STARGAZERS AND A GOLD MINE FOR HERITAGE EXPLORERS

Alongside UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Conwy,

Beaumaris, Harlech and Caernarfon Castles, North Wales

is home to seaside towns, romantic gardens and some of

the best walking and cycling in Britain. And if that’s not

enough, it’s all set against the jaw-dropping backdrop of

the Snowdonia mountains.

North Wales has reinvented itself to create a series of

truly world-class attractions, from high-speed zip lining

and inland surfing to underground trampolining in a

176-year-old disused slate mine.

DAY 1 | LLANDUDNO Wales’ biggest beach resort, visitors have been flocking to

beautiful Llandudno since Victorian times. With two sandy

beaches, a pier, promenade and even Punch and Judy

shows, it’s the quintessential British seaside experience.

DAY 2 | CONWY Conwy’s mighty castle and town walls make it one

of the best preserved medieval towns in Britain.

The views from battlements stretching across

Snowdonia’s mountains and coast are stunning.

DAY 3-5 | BETWS-Y-COED & SNOWDONIA Under 30mins by train from Llandudno Junction is the

lovely stone village of Betws-y-Coed, the perfect base for

exploring Snowdonia National Park. Breathe in the fresh

air on a wander through Gwydyr Forest before tucking into

some locally sourced food.

Hop on the train to Blaenau Ffestiniog, home to pulse-

raising activities from zip wires to mountain biking. For a

gentler way to admire the vast mountains, lakes and forests

of Snowdonia, take the Ffestiniog Railway to Porthmadog.

your rail journey starts here

Snowdon summit from Llyn Llydaw

BETWS-Y-COED

CONWY

LLANDUDNO

IRISH SEA

ST GEORGE’SCHANNEL WALES

20km

Surf Snowdonia

THE SMALLEST HOUSE IN BRITAIN IS IN CONWY.

THE RED-PAINTED QUAYSIDE PROPERTY IS JUST 10 FEET DEEP, SIX FEET WIDE, 10 FEET TWO INCHES HIGH. THE TINY HOME IN WALES WAS ONCE HOME TO A 6FT 3IN TALL FISHERMAN!

Did you know?

Smallest house in Wales, Conwy

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Snowdon Mountain Railway, North Wales Ogwen Valley, Snowdonia, North Wales

North Wales attractions

North Wales is a gem and should be on every traveller’s radar. It is the only

place in Britain to make it onto the Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2017,

and it’s not hard to see why...

ZIPWORLD Choose from three different locations and 10 incredible adventures at the

zip line capital of the world! Soar 500ft in the air at 100miles per hour

at Zipworld Velocity, play on trampolines at a subterranean playground

in a former slate cavern at Bounce Below or see the countryside in a

completely different way by flying up to 60m above the forest floor at

Betws-y-Coed’s Zipworld forest.

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITESThe trail of Edward I’s magnificent castles and town walls of Beaumaris,

Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech are some of the finest examples of military

architecture in Europe. Eight centuries later conservation and events

programmes have helped to make them irresistible attractions to visitors.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is North Wales’ second World Heritage Site. It’s the

highest aqueduct in Britain – walk across it or take a leisurely boat ride.

HOW TO GET THERE

North Wales is easily reached

by train from most major cities.

Direct services run to

Llandudno Junction from

London Euston (3hrs),

Cardiff (4hrs), Manchester

(2hrs) and Liverpool (2hrs).

Visit

www.visitwales.com/explore/

national-parks/snowdonia

for more info.

BODNANT GARDEN & BODNANT WELSH FOOD CENTRE Spend a morning in the heart of the Conwy Valley, exploring Bodnant Garden’s

impressive formal lawns, lily ponds and herbaceous plants before heading

to nearby Bodnant Welsh Food Centre to sample Welsh artisan produce.

The centre, with its own restaurant and tearoom, also hosts a range of

activities from bee-keeping demonstrations to cookery classes.

PORTMEIRION Easy to reach from Porthmadog, the unique Italianate village of Portmeirion

is not to be missed. According to Trip Advisor, this is one of the UK’s most

colourful places. Stay overnight in the hotel, or just visit for the day to marvel

at the architecture and take in the views stretching for miles over the estuary.

NICKNAMED ‘THE BACKBONE OF WALES’ AND SHAPED BY THE ICE AGE, WHERE REMAINS FROM THE STONE, BRONZE AND IRON AGES AND RELICS FROM THE ROMAN AND MEDIEVAL TIMES CAN BE FOUND, THIS AREA IS FILLED WITH SPECTACULAR VIEWS AND STEEPED IN COLOURFUL HERITAGE

ZIPWORLD WON INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM WHEN IT OPENED IN MARCH 2013.

IT INCLUDES A PAIR OF ZIP LINES EACH A MILE LONG, WHERE RIDERS CAN EXCEED 100MPH, 500FT HIGH AND EXPERIENCE THE NEAREST THING TO FLYING.

Did you know?

SNOWDONIA’S COASTLINE STRETCHES FOR 200 MILES, AND MOST OF THIS IS DESIGNATED NATIONAL PARK OR AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY.

Did you know?

IT’S OFFICIAL: NORTH WALES IS ONE OF BEST REGIONS TO VISIT IN THE WORLD ACCORDING TO TRAVEL EXPERTS LONELY PLANET WHO SAID, “WE INCLUDED NORTH WALES IN THE 2017 LIST OF TOP 10 REGIONS BECAUSE IT DESERVES TO BE RECOGNISED ON THE GLOBAL STAGE”

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THINGS TO DO & SEE

Blenheim Palace

City sightseeing

Bus tour

Architecture

Museums & history

OXFORD Home to the oldest university in

the English-speaking world, The

Grand Hall of Oxford’s mighty

Christ Church College, Bodleian

Library and New College will be

recognisable to Harry Potter film

fans. Admire the famous ‘Dreaming

Spires’ of medieval churches

while enjoying strawberries and

Champagne as you take a leisurely

punt down the river.

FALKIRK30mins by train outside of

Edinburgh is Helix Park – home

to two monumental steel

sculptures depicting the heads

of Scotland’s mythical water

horses – and The Falkirk Wheel,

the biggest boat lift of its kind

in the UK which lifts and lowers

canal boats 24m from the Forth

and Clyde Canal to the Union

Canal.

Day trips from London by rail Day trips from Edinburgh by rail

THINGS TO DO & SEE

The Kelpies

Falkirk Wheel

Callendar House

Blenheim Palace, Oxford

Rail Travel Time: London Marylebone > Oxford 1hr

Rail Travel Time: Edinburgh Waverley > Falkirk 30mins

The Kelpies, Falkirk, Scotland

NORTH SEA

200km

IRISHSEA

ENGLISH CHANNEL

LONDONOXFORD

THINGS TO DO & SEE

i360

Royal Pavilion

SEA LIFE Centre

Coast

Shopping & nightlife

BRIGHTON An eccentric seaside town that

inspired Graham Greene’s novels,

Brighton is only an hour from

London by train and is a very

cosmopolitan city with many bars

and clubs. The Royal Pavilion, a

19th-century party palace built by

the Prince Regent, is a must-visit

and sets the scene for Brighton’s

bohemian hedonism. Rail Travel Time: London Victoria > Brighton 1hr

NORTH SEA

200km

IRISHSEA

ENGLISH CHANNEL

LONDON

BRIGHTON

NORTH BERWICKTake the 33min train ride to the

historic seaside town of North

Berwick for beautiful beaches

and fresh seafood. Catch a boat

out to the Bass Rock, one of the

most important seabird breeding

sites in Britain, or climb North

Berwick Law, a 187m high

volcanic plug, for brilliant views.

THINGS TO DO & SEE

Tantallon Castle

Boat tours

National Museum of Flight

Beaches

Rail Travel Time: Edinburgh Waverley > North Berwick 33mins

EDINBURGH

NORTH BERWICK

100km

NORTH SEA

FALKIRK

EDINBURGH

100km

NORTH SEA

THINGS TO DO & SEE

Forth Bridge

Deep Sea World

Forth Sea Safaris

NORTH QUEENSFERRYBuilt between 1882 and 1890, Cross

Bridge is the world’s second-longest

single span cantilever bridge, and is

listed as a UNESCO World Heritage

site. To get a truly dizzying view of

the 110m tall structure pay a visit to

Deep Sea World, home to the longest

underwater viewing tunnel in Britain.

North Queensferry is 20mins by

train from Edinburgh. Rail Travel Time: Edinburgh Waverley > North Queensferry 20mins

NORTH QUEENSFERRY

EDINBURGH

100km

NORTH SEA

North Berwick, ScotlandNorth Queensferry, ScotlandBrighton Pavilion, Brighton Royal Crescent, Bath

THINGS TO DO & SEE

Roman Baths

Thermae Spa

Royal Crescent

Architecture & history

Shopping

NORTH SEA

200km

IRISHSEA

ENGLISH CHANNEL

LONDONBATH

BATHFounded on top of natural hot

springs and home to one of the

world’s best-preserved Roman

bathhouses, this sophisticated city is

where grand Georgian architecture

and buildings such as The Royal

Crescent and the Assembly Rooms

evoke the romance of Jane Austen’s

novels, where the author spent five

years of her life. Rail Travel Time: London Paddington > Bath 1hr 25mins

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Day trips from Manchester by rail Day trips from Birmingham by rail

The Three Graces, Liverpool Royal Shakespeare Co, Stratford-Upon-AvonWarwick Castle, Warwick Ludlow Castle, Ludlow

THINGS TO DO & SEE

Windermere Lake Cruises

National Trust Pass (for Hill Top – Beatrix Potter)

Lakes

Countryside

Rail Travel Time: Manchester Piccadilly > Windermere 1hr 45mins

LAKE DISTRICTOnly 1hr 45mins from the bustling

city of Manchester are the many

outdoor opportunities of the

mountains, lakes and secret valleys

of the Lake District. Visit for the

region’s literary connections

too: among the many writers

who found inspiration here are

William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor

Coleridge, Arthur Ransome

and Beatrix Potter.

200km

NORTH SEA

IRISHSEA

MANCHESTER

LAKES DISTRICT

THINGS TO DO & SEE

Royal Shakespeare Company

Shakespeare’s Birthplace

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage & Gardens

Architecture, history & culture

STRATFORD-UPON-AVONA picturesque market town full of

independent shops, characterful

cafés and rowing boats drifting

down the River Avon, famously the

birthplace of William Shakespeare.

Visit The Royal Shakespeare

Company and five beautifully

preserved Tudor homes and

gardens, all directly linked with The

Bard for a feeling of days gone by. Rail Travel Time: Birmingham > Stratford 1hr

IRISHSEA

ENGLISH CHANNEL

100km

BIRMINGHAM

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

THINGS TO DO & SEE

Beatles Experience

Anfield Stadium tour

Architecture

Museums

History

LIVERPOOL Nicknamed The Capital of Pop,

ask one of Liverpool’s famously

charming locals for directions to

The Beatles Museum. The sport-

mad city is home to two Premier

League football teams, while an

impressive collection of museums

and a thriving arts scene,

including Tate Liverpool, make it

a hit with culture vultures. Rail Travel Time: Manchester Piccadilly > Liverpool 50mins

200km

NORTH SEA

IRISHSEA

MANCHESTERLIVERPOOL

THINGS TO DO & SEE

Chatsworth House

Buxton

Harrogate

Knaresborough

Countryside

PEAK DISTRICTGreen fields, patchwork hills and

wild moorlands scattered with

stately homes make the Peak

District popular with hikers and

historians who flock to Chatsworth

House to experience the inspiration

behind Jane Austen’s Pemberley.

Buxton, with its architecture and

farmers’ markets, and beautiful

Bakewell (home of the famous

Bakewell Pudding) are towns worth

visiting.

Rail Travel Time: Manchester Piccadilly > Buxton, Peak District 1hr

200km

NORTH SEAIRISH

SEA

MANCHESTERPEAK DISTRICT

THINGS TO DO & SEE

Warwick Castle

The Mill Garden

Collegiate Church of St Mary

Medieval town

History

WARWICK Sitting on the banks of the River

Avon and home to a selection of

fine historical buildings, despite a

devastating fire in 1694, Warwick

remains a treasure-house of

medieval architecture with rich

veins of history and charming

streets, dominated by the imposing

turrets of Warwick Castle. Rail Travel Time: Birmingham > Warwick 45mins

150km

NORTH SEA

IRISHSEA

ENGLISH CHANNEL

BIRMINGHAMWARWICK

THINGS TO DO & SEE

Ludlow Castle

Medieval market town

Countryside

History

Food & drink hotspot

LUDLOWNicknamed the gastronomic

capital of the Midlands, Ludlow

is a medieval market town with a

lively community feel thanks to

its numerous festivals and quirky

independent shops. Home to

Ludlow Castle, the historic town

centre is perched on a cliff above

the River Teme and surrounded

by fertile countryside. Rail Travel Time: Birmingham > Ludlow 1hr 50mins

150km

IRISHSEA

ENGLISH CHANNEL

BIRMINGHAMLUDLOW

Buttermere, Lake DistrictChatsworth House, Peak District

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ENGLAND | SETTLE > CARLISLE Ride the train north from the bustling market town

of Settle to the historic city of Carlisle through the

woodlands, rivers and open heather moors of the Yorkshire

Dales and North Pennines. Full of great valleys and

waterfalls, this trip is ideal for hiking or biking. Look out

for the magnificent Ribblehead Viaduct, that this railway

line passes over and which you might recognise as the

Hogwarts Express route from the Harry Potter films.

From Manchester the train journey to Settle is 2hrs 15mins

and then the train from Settle to Carlisle is approximately

2hrs 30mins with stops en route for food and activities.

Visit www.settle-carlisle.co.uk for more info.

WALES | BLAENAU FFESTINIOG > PORTHMADOG Traverse the mountainous countryside of the

Snowdonia National Park on a steam railway journey to

remember. The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways

will carry you in comfort and style through ancient

woodlands. Porthmadog is the ideal place to begin

exploring one of Wales’ most magnificent National

Parks. Catch the train from here up into the mountains

to the centre of Snowdonia.

Here you can go hiking, fishing, kayaking or

trampolining in a cave at Bounce Below. You can

also visit the fastest zipline in the world, Zipworld.

Visit www.festrail.co.uk/timetable-fr.htm for more info.

SCOTLAND | FORT WILLIAM > MALLAIG The Fort William to Mallaig line crosses the Western

Highlands of Scotland and is considered to be one of the

world’s greatest railway lines. From the great peak of Ben

Nevis to the vast expanses of Loch Morar and Loch Nevis,

on all sides you are surrounded by some of Scotland’s

most famous natural landmarks.

Take the sleeper overnight train from London to Fort

William and enjoy a hearty breakfast as you cross Rannoch

Moor. Then from Fort William, take the Mallaig train, which

carries you over the Glenfinnan Viaduct and on to Morar

where Local Hero and Highlander were filmed.

Visit www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/jacobite/jacobite-

steam-train-details.cfm for more info.

Film & TV Locations from Oxford by rail

Bodleian Library, Oxford (featured in Harry Potter)

Fort William to Mallaig route

Ribblehead Viaduct

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Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog

Bucket-listrail journeys

Broughton Castle is recognised from Shakespeare in Love. From

Oxford it’s a 20min train journey to Banbury and the castle is 2.5

miles from Banbury centre.

Visit www.broughtoncastle.com for more info.

Didcot Railway Centre featured in Anna Karenina and Sherlock

Holmes. From Oxford it’s a 15min train journey to Didcot Parkway

and right next to the train station.

Visit www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk for more info.

... AND DONT MISSBletchley Park can be seen in Imitation Game.

From London Euston it’s a 50min train journey to Bletchley train

station and Bletchley Park is approximately 100 yards up the road.

Visit www.bletchleypark.org.uk for more info.

Enter the incredible world of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros

Studio Tour. From London Euston it’s a 20min train journey to

Watford Junction and a regular direct shuttle bus leaves Watford

Junction and arrives 15 mins later.

Visit www.visitbritainshop.com/world/harry-potter-studio-tour/

for more info.

OXFORD CITY CENTREHarry Potter fans should head to Oxford University’s Christ

Church, Bodleian Library and New College, which appeared in

the films and are located in the city centre. The city is also a

key location for the popular TV series Inspector Morse.

The beautiful surrounding countryside has lent a scenic

backdrop to hit series Downton Abbey, filmed at Highclere

Castle. From Oxford it’s a 1hr train journey to Newbury and

then a 15min taxi ride.

Visit www.highclerecastle.co.uk for more info.

Wallingford became the fictional village of Causton

in Midsummer Murders. From Oxford it’s a 35min

train journey to Cholsey, which is only two miles from

Wallingford village.

Visit www.wallingford.co.uk for more info.

Historical Blenheim Palace has starred in James Bond and

Mission Impossible. From Oxford you can get a direct bus from

the train station that takes 30mins.

Visit www.blenheimpalace.com for more info.

OXFORD IS FULL OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS, MAKING IT AN IDEAL BACKDROP FOR THE FILM INDUSTRY

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JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF THE HIGHLANDS Akin to a country house on wheels, journey through Scotland aboard the

Belmond Royal Scotsman luxury sleeper train on journeys of one to seven

nights including the Grand Tour of Great Britain, Whisky Journey, Golf Tour and

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natural wonders such as Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis, Morar, the Isle of Bute and

the Gothic-Revival Mount Stuart House. Departing Edinburgh, pass through

Fort William, with wonderful views of Ben Nevis, then onto the charming Isle

of Bute. The Observation Car provides a vantage point from which to enjoy the

spectacular Highlands scenery. Step out onto the open-air veranda as castles,

villages and glens glide past.

LUXURY TRAIN TRAVEL IN BRITAIN Experience the golden age of travel aboard a Belmond luxury train. Luxuriously

adorned carriages, gastronomic gems, fun excursions and a welcoming

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who enjoy fine dining, lavish five-course dinners and afternoon teas. For longer

trips, Belmond Royal Scotsman is Britain’s only fully inclusive, luxury sleeper

train. It seems there is no beating the romance of train travel in Britain.

BELMOND BRITISH PULLMAN HISTORIC BATH JOURNEYThere is something quintessentially English about stepping aboard the

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preserved Georgian city, Bath. The view changes as the train winds its way

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wait to be explored. Back on-board, the menu features the finest seasonal

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Perrier and sommelier-selected wines finish off a journey fit for royalty.

DISCOVER THE SPIRIT OF TRAVEL WITH BELMOND NORTHERN BELLEIn the golden age of travel, beautifully appointed “Belle” trains traversed the

country, offering unrivalled comfort and style. That experience comes to life

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through some of Britain’s most beautiful countryside. Sit back and marvel at

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yourself smiling in anticipation of the first course of the Chef’s exquisite

five-course seasonal menu.

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Travel in luxurywith Belmond Trains

Visit www.belmond.com/luxury-trains for more information.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ATTRACTIONS VISIT www.visitbritainshop.com/world

On the website, please click on your country flag in the top right-hand corner.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON RAIL ITINERARIES VISIT www.visitbritain.com

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